| Date of Review |
October 2005 |
| Manufacturer |
Unimodel |
| Subject |
Sd.Kfz.138/2 Hetzer (Early Version) |
| Scale |
1/72 |
| Kit Number |
352 |
| Primary Media |
Styrene |
| Detail Media |
Styrene & Photo-Etch |
| Clear Media |
N/A |
| Pros |
Nice detailing |
| Cons |
|
| Skill Level |
Basic |
| MSRP (USD) |
$9.98 |
Background
When Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, one of the first items
on the Wehrmacht's shopping list was control of the Czech
armor factories that were turning out tanks with superior
firepower then their Panzer I and Panzer II main tanks. These
tanks would continue to be manufactured and were designated
as PzKpfw 38(t).
The Sd.Kfz.138/2 Hetzer was a self-propelled, armored anti-tank
gun mount based on the 38(t) chassis. This vehicle mounted the
Pak 39/L48 75mm gun inside an armored shell. Its four-man crew
used the Hetzer's low profile to advantage while hunting enemy
tanks.
Powered by a 160 hp six cylinder engine, the Hetzer could move
its 16 ton mass around the battlefield at speeds up to 42 kph.
The Kit
The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on four
small trees of parts, plus a single fret of photo-etched
parts. The first tree contains the majority of the hull components,
the second tree contains the rear deck and main gun (the majority
of parts on this tree are not used in this particular kit), while
the last two trees contain the suspension, wheels and track sections.
The small photo-etch fret contains a stowage box and side skirts.
Assembly of the kit appears to be straightforward with the
hull leading off the process. The detailed suspension common to
all of the UM 38(t) kits is nicely laid out and the partial track
sections make for an easy and detailed alternative to the usual
'rubber band' track.
The unique box structure of the upper hull makes for an interesting
surface upon which to camouflage and weather. Three different camouflage
alternatives are provided in the kit - one for Wehrmacht tank hunter
on the western front, one for an example from a Hungarian tank
division, and one fascinating example of a captured Hetzer in Russian
service. What is fascinating is the Russian (not Soviet) flags
for a Russian Liberation Army Hetzer in the Czech Republic in 1945.
Conclusions
This is a nice looking model that will look great parked next
to your Panzers. You can get this kit from your favorite
hobby retailer or directly from
Squadron Mail Order.
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail
Order for this review sample!
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